People may also feel psychologically dependent on a substance and continue to use it, particularly under stressful circumstances or to alleviate other psychological problems. Some people deny or are unaware that they have a problem with addiction, and sometimes a person’s substance dependency and abuse remains hidden from loved ones. Dr. Posson notes that across the professional spectrum in California, only about 10 percent of therapists currently have experience in substance abuse counseling. Individuals seeking counseling and therapy are finding it difficult to find the trained professionals they need to help them conquer negative habits.

Substance Abuse Counselor Certification Requirements

• Some states require completion of 2,000 to 6,000 internship hours before taking an exam, but requirements vary depending on your current academic level.
• Substance abuse counselors, also known as addiction counselors, are professionals who provide mental, emotional, and behavioral health services to help clients recover from addiction.

If you or a family member is abusing or addicted to drugs or other substances, seeking help from an experienced substance abuse counselor may help prevent serious mental disorders, physical diseases, and other serious problems. Substance abuse and addiction counselors understand the 12-step recovery philosophy, harm-reduction strategies, and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. They also need to be comfortable functioning as a team, attending meetings, and coordinating with other care providers when needed. The Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School offers master’s programs in addiction counseling both on-campus and online.

Gain Clinical Experience Through Supervised Practicum and Internships

Bureau of Labor Statistics, the lowest 10% of wage earners make less than $30,870, while the highest 10% earn more than $77,980. Those with master’s-level degrees in fields such as psychology, social work, counseling, and related fields can provide individual counseling or may work in private practice. Licensed addiction counselors are experts at understanding the substance abuse counseling underlying causes of addiction. They use several techniques to help address the many factors that contribute to and reinforce substance use disorder. SNHU’s online bachelor’s in human services offers a choice of 3 concentrations – child and family services, gerontology and substance abuse – that can help you get started in a rewarding profession helping others.

What can I do with an online substance abuse degree?

Here we’ll take you step by step through becoming a substance abuse counselor—from earning your addiction counseling degree to getting licensed or certified in your state. Many states require you to have a master’s degree for addiction counseling licensure and certification. Those drawn to this profession are passionate about helping people recover from their addictions and live better lives. It can be difficult to stop using a chemical substance, and it can also be dangerous. Chronic users of alcohol and prescription drugs are typically encouraged not to stop abruptly without medical assistance. Quitting use of a substance may lead to withdrawal effects such as physical sickness, temporary personality changes, loss of appetite, insomnia, nausea, mood swings, and other disturbances.

Learn around your schedule

Important Skills for Substance Abuse Counselors

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

• The goal is to help people gain greater self-awareness and an understanding of the community resources and treatments available to help them recover.
• All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
• Some states only require a bachelor’s degree in psychology or social work to become an addiction counselor, but a master’s degree can help you maximize your earnings and find more career opportunities.
• Counseling as a career is ideal for someone interested in working with individuals and groups to improve mental, behavioral, and emotional concerns.
• Addiction counselors play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome substance use and achieve long-term recovery.

Forming Individualized Treatment Plans

• Addiction happens when an individual becomes overly dependent on potentially harmful substances, such as alcohol or drugs.
• At Hazelden Betty Ford, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from top counseling experts at the nation’s leading nonprofit addiction treatment center.
• Receive an online tuition discount if your organization has partnered with SNHU for educational benefits.
• They often counsel individuals or groups to help people understand the factors contributing to addiction.